Diatonic scale notes

Any sequence of seven successive natural notes, such as C–D–E–F–G–A–B, and any transposition thereof, is a diatonic scale. Modern musical keyboards are designed so that the white notes form a diatonic scale, though transpositions of this diatonic scale require one or more black keys.

1. What is a diatonic note?
2. How do you read diatonic scales?
3. What are two kinds of diatonic scales?
4. Why is it called diatonic?

What is a diatonic note?

Diatonic, in music, any stepwise arrangement of the seven “natural” pitches (scale degrees) forming an octave without altering the established pattern of a key or mode—in particular, the major and natural minor scales. ... In medieval and Renaissance music, eight church modes dictated the organization of musical harmony.

How do you read diatonic scales?

A diatonic scale is a type of music scale with seven notes (also called a heptonic scale). Diatonic scales must have two semitone intervals (half steps) and five tone intervals (whole steps) within one octave. The two semitone intervals should be separated by two and three tones.

What are two kinds of diatonic scales?

There are two other types of scales that are also diatonic, which we'll talk about in a minute: the natural minor scale and the modes.

Why is it called diatonic?

The word "diatonic" comes from the Greek διατονικός, meaning progressing through tones. The seven pitches of any diatonic scale can be obtained using a chain of six perfect fifths. An example of this would be the seven natural pitches which form the C-major scale.